Definition:

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Carotid stenosis occurs when one or both of the main arteries that supply blood flow to your brain become hardened or blocked. These two main arteries in your neck are called carotid arteries. Over time, fatty material called plaque can build up in your carotid arteries and restrict your blood flow. Eventually your blood flow may become totally blocked resulting in a stroke.

Signs/Symptoms:

• Weakness or being unable to move a body part
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation
• Vision and speech problems
• Loss of memory
• Loss of coordination
• Swallowing difficulties
• Personality changes
• Mood or emotion changes
• Lack of bladder control
• Lack of bowel control
• Changes in consciousness such as feeling very tired or sleepy
• Inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli

Treatment:

Your doctor will do a thorough exam and listen to the arteries with a stethoscope on your neck to see if an abnormal sound is heard. Blood work or other tests such as a carotid ultrasound may be ordered to assess your risk of carotid stenosis. Medication may be prescribed to help with this disorder. If your tests show 70% of your artery is blocked, you may need to have the blood flow to the brain restored through surgery or stent implantation. In the surgical method, called carotid endarterectomy, a surgeon removes the plaque from the inside of your carotid artery. In the stent method a catheter is used to widen the blocked area and a stent is put in place to keep the artery open. Your physician can assess your situation and make recommendations about which treatments are right for you.